Why Regular Eye Exams Matter for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Living with type 2 diabetes means keeping an eye on more than just your blood sugar. Your vision is one area that needs special care, especially over time. Diabetes can affect your eyes, without you even realizing it. That’s why regular visits to an eye doctor are so helpful—especially when it comes to avoiding or catching diabetic retinopathy early.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. High blood sugar over time can damage these tiny vessels. They can leak or swell and even close off entirely.

In the early stages, you may not notice anything different. But as it progresses, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots, or even vision loss. Once it’s more advanced, it becomes harder to manage. The good news? Catching it early makes a huge difference.

Why Regular Eye Exams Help

An eye exam can spot changes in your eyes before you notice symptoms. Eye doctors use special tools to look at the retina and detect early signs of damage. These visits are often quick, painless, and can help prevent bigger problems down the road.

For people with type 2 diabetes, eye exams are usually recommended once a year—or more often if your doctor suggests it. These checkups allow your care team to keep an eye on changes over time and keep your plan on track.

What You Can Do Between Appointments

• Manage your blood sugar: Try to keep your sugar levels in the range your doctor suggests.
  

• Watch your blood pressure: High pressure can speed up eye damage.
  

• Stay active and eat well: Eating healthy and staying active can keep your eyes and your whole body in better shape.
  

• Avoid smoking: Smoking can make diabetes-related problems worse, including those affecting your eyes.
  

Don’t Wait for Blurry Vision

Too many people think that they do not need to see an eye doctor unless they are having problems seeing. But with diabetes, some eye problems don’t cause symptoms right away. Regular exams give you a chance to catch things early—before they grow into something harder to manage.

Your vision matters. And a simple habit like scheduling an eye exam once a year can help protect it.